The United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) issued a January 10th news release announcing that the Little Rock, Arkansas, School District has been selected to receive a total of $9,875,000 that will be used to purchase electric and low-emission school buses.
EPA also stated that Envirotech Vehicles is receiving $8,570,000 to purchase 25 buses in Arkansas and Texas.
Arkansas is also expecting to receive additional funding through third-party selectees that are stated to be working with multiple states.
An extensive review process is stated to have been undertaken pursuant to the Clean School Bus Program to select the Notice of Funding Opportunity’s “top tier Arkansas applicants.”
Grantees are required to work with their EPA Regional Project Officers to finalize project plans and purchase awarded new buses and eligible infrastructure. Technical assistance is also stated to be provided by the Joint Office of Energy & Transportation. Therefore, all selectees are required to submit a Utility Partnership Agreement to verify that the school district’s electric utility provider is aware of the school district’s rebate application.
Note that EPA is currently accepting applications for the 2024 Clean School Bus Rebate Program until January 31st.
Buses funded include those that utilize:
- Electricity
- Compressed natural gas
- Propane
The objective is to produce lower tailpipe emissions compared to older diesel predecessors.
A copy of the news release can be downloaded here.
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